Which courts typically have original jurisdiction in federal matters?

• A. Courts of Appeals have original jurisdiction
• B. District courts have original jurisdiction
• C. Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in all cases
• D. The federal government has original jurisdiction only in constitutional matters

Answer: (B)

Original jurisdiction is the court’s power to hear a case for the first time, with the trial of facts and presentation of evidence. In the federal system, that role is filled by district courts. They are the federal trial courts that handle cases arising under federal law, including federal criminal prosecutions and civil matters like federal questions or diversity cases between citizens of different states. After a district court decides a case, most decisions are reviewed by the Courts of Appeals on appeal, rather than being tried again. The Supreme Court sits atop the system and has original jurisdiction only in a small, narrow set of situations, such as disputes between states or cases involving ambassadors, so it isn’t the typical starting point for most federal cases. The federal government doesn’t possess broad original jurisdiction over all matters; cases involving federal law generally begin in district court and proceed through the normal appellate path if needed.